Haptic feedback usually works when you actually press, not when you need to "feel" where the button is.
They could make it different, but still I think it would make a lot more sense if you were looking at this screen.
Even if this thing does not make sense to me, I hate virtual buttons.

GAF's Bob Woodward

An independent handheld, that can also be a second-screen controller for the home system. Or in this case, IS the controller for the home system. But scalped of physical buttons.

I'm not seeing the 'totally new' here that Nintendo teased. On the surface this concept would be one of obvious refinements to the same ideas they've already explored. Unless there's 'one more thing' that puts a totally different spin on it.

I note that this device - if it is also their handheld - would allow a neat route/accommodation to touchscreen only mobile games, if that's where Nintendo's portable strategy is headed. Or if they want to keep that door open.

Member

I've tried button based games on my phone, while the responsiveness is fine including the haptic feedback, the lack of physical protrusions means I don't know where each button is without looking. Every so often I need to look at my thumbs to see if I've slipped away from the buttons. This just doesn't happen with buttons that protrude; you can rest your thumb over the diamond formation and forget about it.

This is a very worrying development and while I'm not against revolutionary controllers (I love the wii controller when it was first shown), we all know how capacitive screen buttons work and they're sub-par for gaming.

It would be bad for Nintendo to react to this leak, either with speeding up their plans or acknowledging it, as it'll set a precedent and leaks will become more commonplace. Still I would rather we get some official info now, put some fears to rest before things get out of control.
Also whoever leaked this is in serious trouble!

Member

whatever screw the haters
see this is what separates ninfans from the rest of yall. At least we have heart and soul, and are willing to stick with our loyalties to the bitter end. Sure we might disappointed now and then, but in the end nintendo in our eyes has delivered. And thats all that matters. We still have faith in something real, and we aren't quick to sell our souls to the fastest processors or the glitziest gadgets.

Member

(with this near confirmation, allow me to go off the handle and be reactionary)

Eff. What the hell, they're really going through with this haptic button shit?! Even Nintendo can't pull this off, you have to keep your eyes on the controller to make sure you're even hitting the button. Your fingers have no feedback to keep them guided on the button, it slips 1/4" and you're suddenly not hitting a button but you have no idea. People are excited for this? Why because it'll vibrate when you hit a button? That's going to be so damn annoying after about 3 minutes.

It's not going to vibrate when you hit the button.
Like yeah you might have to slide your thumb along and it'll "rumble" when your thumb is over the button then You'd press harder to press the button.
That's assuming it uses a technology like apples 3D Touch or something to detect how hard you're pushing the button.

Not really. I imagine for most games you'll just use a standard (possibly customizable in terms of layout) digital button layout using haptic feedback for tactile response instead of physical buttons. And really, the only advantage a physical button would have over a digital one is tactile response

Banned

whatever screw the haters
see this is what separates ninfans from the rest of yall. At least we have heart and soul, and are willing to stick with our loyalties to the bitter end. Sure we might disappointed now and then, but in the end nintendo in our eyes has delivered. And thats all that matters. We still have faith in something real, and we aren't quick to sell our souls to the fastest processors or the glitziest gadgets.

Member

honestly I think it could really work. please be a handheld though. as a controller, not so much. was never sold on the split attention thing on the Wii U. if this works as a controller for "NX Home" then ok.

Member

This is going to live or die based on how good the haptics are. If they're great, it's a revolution in making it possible for developers to give their game any controls they want. If not, it's virtual buttons on an iPhone.